News

WASHINGTON — Maintaining an online presence and utilizing new technologies for business operations is becoming the norm for many small-business owners, according to the National Small Business Association’s (NSBA) 2013 Small Business Technology Survey.

The survey aims to provide “detailed insight on how small business is faring in today’s ever-changing technology landscape” and “clarity on how small-business owners utilize technology,” according to the NSBA.

WASHINGTON — All four indexes of the National Multi Housing Council’s (NMHC) October Survey of Apartment Market conditions fell below 50 for the first time since July 2009, the NMHC reports.

“After four years of almost continuous improvement across all indicators, apartment markets have taken a small step back,” says Mark Obrinsky, NMHC vice president of research and chief economist. “Conditions cannot continue to improve indefinitely and new development is at least somewhat constrained by available capital—though more on the equity than the debt side.”

WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning of a utility bill scam, which involves a “new twist” scammers are using to get money.

“Imagine receiving a phone call from your utility company saying they’re about to cut off your electricity. The caller ID looks like it might be a legitimate phone number, but you know you’ve paid your bill,” says the FTC. “The caller says, ‘I can stop this, but only if you pay me.’”

PLAINVIEW, N.Y. — CSC ServiceWorks Inc. (CSC) and Mac-Gray Corp. have entered into a “definitive agreement” and plan of merger, with the aggregate value of the transaction worth $524 million, CSC reports.

CSC will acquire all of outstanding Mac-Gray common stock for $21.25 per share, payable in cash, representing a premium of 42% over the company’s closing stock price Oct. 14, CSC adds. The transaction’s aggregate value takes into account Mac-Gray’s outstanding stock options, restricted stock units and net debt as of June 30.

WASHINGTON — Homeowners are expected to face higher prices to heat their homes this winter, according to projections in the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Short-Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook.

Compared to last winter, the EIA projects that residential expenditures for natural gas will increase by 13%, or an average of $80 more this winter heating season (Oct. 1 through March 31).

OAKLAND, Calif. — California Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. has recently signed a bill raising the state’s minimum wage from $8 per hour to $10 per hour over the next three years, the governor’s office reports.

Assembly Bill 10 (AB 10), authored by Assemblyman Luis Alejo (D-Salinas), will raise California’s minimum wage in two one-dollar increments, from $8 per hour to $9 per hour, effective July 1, 2014, and then to $10 per hour effective January 1, 2016.

“I’m proud to author this measure on behalf of hardworking families in California,” says Alejo.

RIPON, Wis. — Speed Queen, a leading manufacturer of vended laundry equipment, is partnering with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF) to support the search for a breast cancer cure by donating a portion of proceeds from sales of a limited-edition home-style washer and dryer pair.

In his newly created position, Louwagie will be responsible for overall sales and logistics functions across all BDS business units, and will report to BDS President David DeMarsh, the company says.

Prior to joining BDS Laundry Systems, Louwagie served as president of the Burnsville, Minn., branch of Anchor Bank, a family-owned bank holding company with 15 locations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, according to BDS.